斫

A phono-semantic compound composed of:

斤 (axe; adze) — semantic component, indicates cutting tools and actions involving chopping or hewing;

石 (stone) — phonetic component, supplies the sound "jak" and evokes hardness or resistance.

The character depicts an axe striking a hard object, conveying forceful cutting rather than gentle slicing.

斫 emphasizes forceful division by impact, typically involving tools such as axes or hatchets.

It differs from more general cutting verbs by implying:

- strength and weight

- repeated blows

- resistance of the material (wood, stone, bone)

Because of this, 斫 often appears in martial, labor, or punitive contexts.

斫 focuses on method (chopping with force), not just the result.

Often contrasted with:

切 — to cut (general)

割 — to split (along a line)

砍 — to hack (colloquial / modern)

In literature, 斫 can carry a harsh or violent nuance.

Related characters:

斤 — axe

切 — cut

割 — split

砍 — hack; chop

削 — shave; pare

Among these, 斫 most strongly conveys heavy, force-driven chopping, especially against hard material.

Classical-style usage:

斫木為薪 — “Chopping wood to make firewood”

斫首示眾 — “Beheading and displaying (as punishment)”